Sutton's GP organisation the Clinical Commissioning Group has issued the following statement.
"It is clear that any form of industrial action is likely to place significant pressures on the NHS at a point when it is already facing significant demand and the effects of a full walkout will be felt far and wide by NHS providers and their patients.
"The role of NHS Sutton Clinical Commissioning Group (Sutton CCG) during industrial action is to support NHS providers and NHS England to ensure that the NHS as a whole continues to operate as effectively as possible. Sutton CCG is not responsible for negotiating with staff or the unions or for direct communication with patients about the impact of strikes on individual services.
Important information for Sutton patients:
If you have an appointment at Epsom and St Helier on either Tuesday 26 April or Wednesday 27 April please attend as normal unless you have been contacted directly and told otherwise. If you have any concerns, please call the telephone number on your appointment letter for advice.
Patients in need of urgent and emergency care will continue to receive the treatment they need, when they need it. However, due to increased pressures on the NHS over this period, those in less urgent need of care may experience longer waiting times than normal and some elective operations may need to be postponed or rearranged. In all cases priority will be given to those patients with the most pressing health needs.
Please use the NHS wisely during this very challenging time as some services may change and some may be busier than usual - please contact services early if you need to book an appointment.
If you are feeling unwell, don't wait for it to get worse.
Take action:
Look-up advice online at NHS Choices to choose the right services depending on your symptoms – use www.nhs.uk/strike to get details of additional or extended local services that you can use.
Take advice from your GP
Call NHS 111
Visit your local pharmacist
Your local pharmacy can offer health advice and medicines for a wide range of common health problems.
For minor injuries and illnesses, you can look after yourself with a well-stocked medicine cupboard and first aid materials. Ask your local pharmacist for advice.
If you are feeling under the weather and you are not getting better, get early advice. Minor illnesses can get worse quickly – especially if you are over 60. Visit your local pharmacist for quick and easy access to health advice and recommended treatments for minor illnesses. If they are concerned about your condition, they will advise you to see your GP.
Your local pharmacist may also be able to supply medicines for selected minor ailments and emergency contraception without a GP prescription. Please check with your pharmacist first.
Please order and collect your repeat prescriptions in good time to avoid running out of medicine. If you run out of medicine, speak to a local pharmacist. They may be able to provide an emergency supply of a small quantity of your usual prescription medicine.
Please note that this is at the pharmacist's discretion and some exclusions and charges may apply.